The Labor Day parade in Clarkston, set to kick off Monday downtown, has been going 72 years and counting.

And although this year's lineup is a bit slim compared to last year, the fact that it's still going demonstrates how much the community cares about the longtime tradition, said Rotary Club vice president Joel DeLong.

“This is something that all of us can take pride in,” said DeLong, parade organizer with the Clarkston Rotary Club, which sponsors the holiday event and is only three years older than the parade itself.

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. in front of Renaissance High School on Waldon Road, and will travel down Church Street to Main Street, ending at Miller and Holcomb roads.

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This year, there are 40 entries and not many floats, said DeLong.

But Karen Newman — longtime Red Wings national anthem singer and spokeswoman for local dealership Bowman Chevrolet — still sings every year, as well, along with American Legion Post 63, which has participated as long as the Rotary Club has put the event on.

“We expect as many as 2,500 people downtown,” said DeLong, adding that after 72 years, people still love to participate in the community spirit of the event.

Clarkston resident Cory Johnston goes to the parade every year.

“Any day that shuts down the traffic on Main Street and gets everyone outside and on the streets is a great day,” Johnston said.

Don Carter, representative of American Legion Post 63, said his organization joins in on the event not only to support the community, but to let veterans know there's help for them.

The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, is the nation's largest service organization for veterans, offering help to war-time veterans returning from duty.

“A lot of people don't know about all the things we do for veterans,” he said, “so this gets our name out there a little more.”

He agrees with DeLong about the tight-knit community feel of Clarkston.

“Even during Christmas activities, when it's pretty cold out there, people show up,” he said. Post 63 will feature three military vehicles and 30 veterans in the parade.

About the Author

John Turk covers the police beat and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for The Oakland Press. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. Reach the author at john.turk@oakpress.com
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